Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, shocked his players by congratulating them, despite their 4-0 loss at Everton last Sunday, according to the UK Mirror.

Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas, Tim Davies and Ademola Lookman scored for the hosts, after they swept City aside at Goodison Park.

It was the worst league defeat Guardiola has suffered in his coaching career. And instead of ripping into his players, he told the players how well they performed and refused to criticize them.

The squad were left wondering whether the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was using reverse psychology, with the club facing a battle to finish in the Premier League top four. Guardiola has already admitted they cannot win the title this season .